Cheers, Harvard mysteries and craft whiskey: the best of Boston
Nicknamed Beantown, the Massachusetts city is treasured for its revolutionary role in US history, and is now buzzing with entrepreneurial spirit. Use our city guide to pull together the perfect itinerary for your clients.
SEE
IMMERSIVE HISTORY
The floating Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum celebrates the 250th anniversary of the historic event this year. Alongside a film screening and a grand-scale re-enactment, visitors can also throw boxes of tea overboard as a part of the experience and then drink it in the elegant surroundings of Abigail’s Tea Room.
Book it: Tours take place seven days a week, from 10am to 5pm; bostonteapartyship.com
WHERE EVERYBODY KNOWS YOUR NAME
Located at 84 Beacon Street near Boston Common, this pub was the inspiration for hit 1980s TV comedy Cheers. Originally called the Bull and Finch, the tavern is now known by its more famous name. Inside, diners can use the photo booth and buy memorabilia from the gift shop, or grab a bite to eat and enjoy some classic tunes on the jukebox.
Book it: Though the pub operates on a walk-in basis, reservation for large groups can be made in advance by email; cheersboston.com
AN ODE TO JFK
Visitors will soon discover just how much the city celebrates former president John F Kennedy, and Union Oyster House – a dining spot dating back to the 1820s – pays homage with a “JFK Booth”, where the US political icon frequently dined.
Book it: Tables for up to six guests can be reserved online; unionoysterhouse.com
HARVARD MYSTERIES
Suggest a guided tour of the buildings and dorms of Harvard University, led by students of the Ivy League establishment. Expect stories of famous people who have walked its halls, and learn about the strange superstitions that still abound here.
Book it: TradeMark Tours offer public and private student-led excursions from $22pp that last around 75 minutes; trademarktours.com
STAY
OMNI BOSTON SEAPORT
Situated just across the street from the Boston Convention and Exhibition Centre, the hotel has more than 1,000 rooms with views of Boston Harbour and the greater Seaport District, as well as a rooftop pool and seven dining venues. It is the ideal spot for clients wanting the best of both worlds – proximity to the city centre and easy access to Boston Logan International airport.
Book it: Rooms from $420 per night; omnihotels.com/hotels/boston-seaport
EXPERIENCE
EMBRACE SEASONALITY
Woods Hill Pier 4, as the name suggests, is right on the waterfront and is an excellent spot for visitors looking to dine alfresco. This eatery is run by farmer-turned-restaurateurs that encourage sustainable fishing practices, especially relevant in a city whose culinary claim to fame is its seafood dishes. Diners will be spoilt for choice from a seasonal menu.
Book it: Tables for up to six guests can be reserved online; woodshillpier4.com
PEDAL FOR A VIEW
One of the best views of Boston’s skyline is from its harbour, especially at sunset. A novel way to see it is on a public or private tour with Cycleboat Boston, where passengers can opt to help propel the 16- to 26-person pedal boats or simply sit back with a bring-your-own drink and watch someone else do all the hard work!
Book it: Tours start at $49 per person and last 90 minutes; cycleboatboston.com
WHISKEY TOURS
Though famous for its beer, Boston has witnessed a growth in whiskey production. Boston Harbor Distillery was founded by Rhonda Kallman, a local legend who was also the brainchild behind one of America’s most successful beers – Samuel Adams. Her venture in an old shipyard has turned into one of Boston’s best distilleries.
Book it: Regular and VIP tours take place every Saturday from 3pm to 8pm and last between 30 and 90 minutes; bostonharbordistillery.com
Up in Charlestown, Boston’s oldest neighbourhood, Chattermark Distillers are relative newcomers to the whiskey world with a range that includes bourbon, white rye, corn and single malt options, along with gin and homemade triple sec. They work in collaboration with nearby restaurants, and offer pizza and cocktails alongside whiskey tastings.
Book it: Tours take place every Saturday at 4pm and 6pm and last about 30 minutes; chattermarkdistillers.com
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